- Whole blood (EDTA) (1ml). Serum/plasma is not suitable. IT IS VITAL THAT THE WoSSVC IS TELEPHONED BEFORE SENDING BLOOD FOR TOXOPLASMA PCR (38721 / 38722). THIS IS TO PREVENT THE BLOOD FROM BEING SPUN, WHICH AUTOMATICALLY OCCURS FOR ALL OTHER BLOOD SPECIMENS.

- CSF and amniotic fluid (>200µl). Samples should not be centrifuged prior to referral.

- Aqueous/vitreous fluid (200µl)

- Tissue

- PCR samples must be accompanied by a serum sample for serology.

Lyme borreliosis

Please note, the WoSSVC no longer deal with Lyme disease testing requests. Please forward all and samples and direct any questions to your local microbiology department or NHS GG&C Microbiology.

Asymptomatic with history of tick exposure or bite: Testing is not indicated and the National Lyme Borreliosis Testing Laboratory at Raigmore Hospital do not process these samples.

Erythema migrans (EM) with reliable history of tick exposure or bite = Testing is not indicated and the National Lyme Borreliosis Testing Laboratory at Raigmore Hospital do not process these samples. Early Lyme is serologically positive in just 30-70% at presentation. Antibody response may be further delayed or abrogated in patients who have received empirical treatment. These patients should be treated empirically.

Please note that the WoSSVC does not conduct any testing for Lyme borreliosis, but sends all requests with appropriate clinical details to the National Lyme borreliosis testing laboratory, please see point 5 in their user guide (link below).